Watamu Marine National Park in Watamu, Watamu: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Water parks and pools in Watamu, Watamu
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Watamu Marine National Park offers snorkelling and glass-bottom boats over coral gardens off Watamu beach. Citizen entry is about KES 500 per adult and KES 250 per child (confirm on eCitizen), plus boat hire around KES 2,500. Plan 2 to 3 hours.
What is Watamu Marine National Park?
Watamu Marine National Park protects coral gardens in a turquoise lagoon off Watamu beach ? the coast's most-loved snorkelling spot. Glass-bottom boats cruise the gardens, snorkellers float over brain corals and parrotfish, and turtles are common.
KWS marine fees: citizens ~KES 500/250, residents ~675/350, non-residents USD 25/15 ? new 2025 rates were court-suspended, so confirm current fees on eCitizen. Boat hire from beach operators ~KES 2,500 per boat; trips run morning to mid-afternoon.
Part of the Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO, 1979) ? coral gardens, seagrass and turtle nesting beaches.
Watamu Marine National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 12) | Under 3 free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 25 | KES 15 | Free |
KWS 2025 fees: citizens ~500/250; residents ~675/350; non-residents $25/15. New rates court-suspended Oct 2025 ? fees in flux; confirm on eCitizen.
Family cost calculator
Estimate your total visit cost in seconds. Set your family size, choose your residency status and add optional extras. The calculator uses the same rates shown above.
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 22 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Confirm fees first 2025 rates court-challenged
- Split the boat Per-boat pricing favours families
- Morning glass Calm water, best viewing
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Boat with parent |
| 3-5 years | Good | Glass-bottom viewing |
| 6-9 years | Great | First snorkel |
| 10-12 years | Great | Confident snorkellers |
| 13+ years | Great | Full reef |
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Key details
- Address
- Watamu Marine Park gate, Watamu beach road, Watamu
- Opening hours
- Daily 8am to 5pm Closed now
- How long to plan
- 2 to 3 hours
- Suitable ages
- 4 years and up
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Card
What to expect when you visit
Pay entry at the KWS gate (eCitizen ? confirm the current rate) and hire a glass-bottom boat (~KES 2,500/boat) from the beach operators.
Cruise the coral gardens, then snorkel shallow stops ? turtles and reef fish are the stars.
Mornings are calmest; tides affect snorkel depth.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Non-swimmers?
Glass-bottom boats show everything.
Fees?
~500/250 citizens ? confirm on eCitizen.
Gear included?
Boats rent snorkel sets ? quality varies.
Family essentials
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Access and parking
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Ask boats for child life jackets; confirm fees on eCitizen (2025 rate dispute); reef-safe sunscreen protects the coral.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- Under 3 free
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Boat hire ~2,500/boat; snorkel gear rental
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Morning ? calm and clear
- Busiest times
- Windy afternoons; spring tides
- How to get there
Watamu beach road, Watamu
- By car
- Parking at the marine park gate
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- KES 200-400 within Watamu
- Public transport
Matatu to Watamu, then tuk-tuk
- Combine with
Local Ocean Turtle Watch; Mida Creek; Gede Ruins
- What to bring
Swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Shallow coral gardens
Common sightings
No swimming needed
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Citizen family of 4 estimate: ~KES 1,500 + boat ~2,500
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Watamu Marine National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children (ages Under 12) pay KES 250. Non-resident adults pay KES 25 and non-resident children pay KES 15. Children under 3 free enter free. KWS 2025 fees: citizens ~500/250; residents ~675/350; non-residents $25/15. New rates court-suspended Oct 2025 ? fees in flux; confirm on eCitizen. Prices checked 22 Oct 2026.
- What are the Watamu Marine National Park opening hours?
- Daily 8am to 5pm. Busiest: Windy afternoons; spring tides.
- Is Watamu Marine National Park suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: No minimum age. Ask boats for child life jackets; confirm fees on eCitizen (2025 rate dispute); reef-safe sunscreen protects the coral.
- How long do you need at Watamu Marine National Park?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- What payment methods does Watamu Marine National Park accept?
- Watamu Marine National Park accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.
- Is Watamu Marine National Park accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Watamu Marine National Park?
- Morning ? calm and clear. It is busiest Windy afternoons; spring tides.
- How do you get to Watamu Marine National Park?
- Parking at the marine park gate. Ride-hailing: KES 200-400 within Watamu. Public transport: Matatu to Watamu, then tuk-tuk Watamu beach road, Watamu
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